Children are particularly vulnerable when they receive medical care because, unlike adults, they cannot fully advocate for themselves. Their heightened dependency on the judgment and care of healthcare providers makes the occurrence of pediatric malpractice particularly distressing.
While medical malpractice is a serious concern affecting patients of all ages, its implications can be even more devastating when it comes to children. Pediatric malpractice can result in devastating injuries, life-long disability or even death.
How can parents protect their children from medical errors or negligence when they’re undergoing treatment?
Protecting your child: Steps parents can take
Of course, it’s not possible to completely avoid instances of pediatric malpractice. However, parents can take proactive steps to safeguard their children when they’re undergoing treatment. The first step is narrowing down to a suitable healthcare provider they can trust with their child’s care. In the hands of a capable healthcare provider, there is a reduced risk of:
- Misdiagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes
- Medication errors
- Improper treatment
Parents can also benefit from reading about their child’s medical condition and approved treatment options. Additionally, they shouldn’t hesitate to raise their concerns and seek second opinions if something doesn’t seem right. It can also make a world of difference to maintain a detailed record of a child’s medical history of:
- Vaccinations they’ve received
- Previous illness
- Treatments they’ve received
- All allergies they have so far
Providing new healthcare providers with this information can be crucial in preventing errors and helping to ensure continuity of care.
Why children are more vulnerable
As already established, children are inherently more vulnerable to medical malpractice due to their inability to articulate their symptoms and discomfort. Additionally, children’s bodies are more susceptible to harm due to incorrect treatment because they’re still developing. A medical error that might cause minor complications in an adult could result in severe developmental issues or lifelong disabilities in a child.
Therefore, parents should remember to be their children’s voice and speak up if they notice any changes in their child’s condition or behavior. By trusting their instincts and communicating any concerns to the healthcare provider immediately, parents can mitigate the risk that their children will suffer harm as a result of inadequate consideration.
Parents can play a crucial role in protecting their children from medical negligence by making the proactive efforts mentioned above. Should harm occur however, parents can work to hold healthcare providers accountable for pediatric malpractice with the guidance of a trusted legal group.